Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 530 verdicts at Newcastle Crown Court (Newcastle upon Tyne). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Anthony Thompson

Conspiracy to burgle

August 20, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Anthony Thompson and Richard Clough conspired to burgle 16 homes in Birtley, Gateshead, Washington, Chester-le-Street, Springwell, Whickham, and Burnopfield between December 2020 and January 2021. They targeted properties while homeowners were out, stealing cash, watches, jewellery, and other valuables worth around £70,000. They gained access by snapping locks on patio or back doors, often leaving homes ransacked, and used Clough's Mercedes for transport while turning off their phones to avoid detection. One victim lost £30,000 worth of items, and victims reported feeling insecure, vulnerable, and psychologically impacted.

Has 11 previous convictions. Defence argued the burglaries lacked sophistication, no one was present in the homes at the time, and he has since given up his taxi licence. Judge Sarah Mallett highlighted the planning and impact on victims.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Adnan Khan

Harassment and sexual communication with a child

August 20, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment, sex offender registration, and a sexual harm prevention order for 20 years

In March 2021, Adnan Khan targeted 10 teenage girls walking to school in Newcastle following Covid-related closures. Over a half-hour period, he approached them in his car, making sexual comments, repeatedly asking for their names, inviting them to get in his car, and in some cases, making aggressive or lewd remarks such as calling them 'gorgeous' and 'beautiful' or threatening sexual acts. The girls, aged 13 to 18, felt frightened and unsafe, with some contacting parents or police immediately. Khan was arrested the same day after his vehicle's registration was reported, and he denied the allegations, claiming racial motivation, but was sentenced after pleading guilty.

Pleaded guilty to harassment and two charges of sexual communication with a child. Judge noted he targeted children on their way to school during Covid lockdown. Defence claimed behaviour was foolish and inappropriate, with no real risk.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Darron Wilkinson

Arranging the commission of a child sex offence

August 19, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended sentence

Darron Wilkinson contacted an undercover police officer posing as a 12-year-old girl on a social networking site in July 2024. He engaged in sexual communication, asked about her personal life, instructed her on sexual acts, and arranged to travel 200 miles from his home in County Durham to a park in Coventry for sexual activity, despite knowing her age.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. Defence claimed messages were fantasy and that he went to Blackpool with his partner instead of meeting the decoy.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Keoma Stanley

Controlling or Coercive Behaviour

August 19, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

Keoma Stanley subjected his partner to a prolonged campaign of controlling and coercive behaviour over several years, including physical violence such as punching her more than 15 times in the face and strangling her during a trip to Liverpool for her 40th birthday in October 2023. He also tracked her movements with a device on her car, spat at her, belittled her in front of others, falsely accused her of drug use and infidelity, and physically assaulted her in other incidents, such as grabbing her by the chin and pushing her to the ground outside their home.

Pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour, strangulation, assault by beating, and criminal damage. The judge described his behaviour as bullying, belittling, violent, and cowardly, and noted he has 65 previous convictions, including for GBH in 2006.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Glen Irwin

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

August 18, 2025

Sentence: 19 months suspended for two years with 150 hours unpaid work and £600 compensation

Glen Irwin, during a drunken altercation in November, took his former partner's phone and punched her each time she attempted to retrieve it. He also kicked her in the head and stomach, leaving her with extensive bruising to her forehead, both eyes, arm, and hand, as well as blood on her clothing and the floor. The attack occurred at his father's home after their five-year relationship ended due to prior violence while abroad on holiday.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Has four previous convictions and expressed remorse. He is addressing an alcohol addiction and is in full-time employment.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Richardson

Stalking and non-fatal strangulation

August 18, 2025

Sentence: 41 months imprisonment

David Richardson, who had split from the victim about two years earlier, began pestering her with messages and threats in August 2024. Despite her efforts to keep her address secret, he discovered it and visited in September 2024. During the attack at her home, he pinned her to the bed, punched her about 20 times to the face, strangled her until she could not breathe, threw her to the floor, and then boiled a kettle and poured the water on her head and scalp, causing burns. He had been aggressive and shouting about her ex-partners prior to the assault.

Admitted to stalking and non-fatal strangulation. Has 121 previous convictions. Defence noted he has been hard-working while on remand, and the court heard about his family tragedy involving his father's murder.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Andrew Davidson

Theft

August 18, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

Andrew Davidson, 41, engaged in a series of thefts during a crime spree across Gateshead.

William Sproat

Criminal damage

August 18, 2025

Sentence: £80 fine, £80 compensation, £85 costs, and £32 surcharge

On May 20, 2025, William Sproat, while intoxicated with a group of people, engaged in an argument and kicked over and destroyed a sign belonging to the Corbridge Larder, a popular deli in Northumberland, causing £80 in damage. He later entered the shop and apologised for his behaviour.

Pleaded guilty. Was drunk and involved in an altercation, then apologised to staff.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Roberts

Possessing a bladed article

August 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and a £750 fine

David Roberts confronted a dog walker on Valley Dene, Chopwell, Gateshead, around 4pm on March 28, 2025, based on a misunderstanding where he wrongly accused the victim of hitting a woman with a dog lead. Despite no prior interaction, Roberts shouted threats, brandished an axe from his coat, and repeatedly threatened to kill the victim and his dog. The victim, who was walking his dog, fled in fear as Roberts chased him around a car. The incident was recorded on video, showing Roberts continuing to shout obscenities and threats as the victim followed him at a safe distance to note his address for the police. The victim reported suffering heart palpitations and ongoing fear as a result.

Pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article. Has three previous convictions. Judge Penny Moreland described the incident as a frightening misunderstanding and noted it occurred in a public street. Defence argued it was an over-reaction due to his Parkinson's Disease and a perceived threat from the victim's dog.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Cory Lavery

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

August 15, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Cory Lavery attacked his partner in the back of a moving taxi in Gateshead on March 14, 2025. He punched her two or three times and grabbed her neck, leaving her bloodied, bruised, and distressed. The taxi driver witnessed the incident and alerted authorities. After arriving at their destination in Bensham, Lavery continued the assault by pushing her several times outside the vehicle.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Had 32 previous convictions and was on a community order for shoplifting at the time. Judge Carolyn Scott described his behaviour as disgraceful and noted the victim was vulnerable in the moving taxi.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Stoddart

Burglary

August 15, 2025

Sentence: 26 months imprisonment

Paul Stoddart participated in a riot in Sunderland on August 2, 2024, where he was seen on CCTV kicking and breaking a window of a building. He entered a vape store during the disorder, stole numerous vapes from the stock room, and contributed to the overall chaos that made the city centre unsafe for the public. The burglary resulted in losses of around £42,000 in retail value, with total costs exceeding £83,000 due to theft, damage, and loss of trade.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder and burglary. Has 33 previous convictions, including for violence, criminal damage, and burglary. The judge noted his remorse, influence of alcohol abuse, and depression, and emphasised the need for deterrent sentences due to large-scale disorder.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Martin Miller

Intentional Strangulation

August 14, 2025

Sentence: Two years suspended for two years with 150 hours unpaid work, a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and a ten-year restraining order

Martin Miller, a former soldier with PTSD, strangled his partner on multiple occasions while issuing death threats. On November 22, 2024, he smashed a bottle of rum, verbally abused her, smashed her phone, threw a bedside cabinet, threw a glass of red wine causing a cut to her hand, and fled. On November 30, 2024, he pinned her against a wall, gripped her neck for about 30 seconds saying 'I'm going to kill you', and left her with bruising and swelling. On January 9, 2025, he entered her home uninvited, grabbed her throat with force, strangled her with both hands, bent her over a banister, and threatened to get a knife and kill her, leaving her with bruising to her neck. The victim reported feeling fearful for her life and unsafe.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation, assault and criminal damage. Has ten previous convictions, including battery and criminal damage. Suffers from PTSD due to military service and has issues with alcohol and cocaine.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Yousuf Musa

Sexual Assault

August 13, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Yousuf Musa, an asylum seeker from Ethiopia, approached his first victim at a venue where she was helping asylum seekers. He asked for a hug, then forcefully grabbed her genitals and breast, pulling her towards him while she struggled and told him to stop. He made masturbating gestures and appeared to find the situation amusing. After his arrest and release, he followed another woman, approached her and her mother, repeatedly asked for hugs, and touched the older woman's shoulder despite refusals, causing her to feel violated and threatened. The incidents occurred in Ashington, Northumberland.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault and common assault. Described as acutely sexually preoccupied and creating opportunities for predatory behaviour. High risk of causing serious harm to others. Must sign the sex offenders register for ten years and comply with five-year restraining orders.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ryan Carney

Burglary

August 13, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

On December 23, 2024, Ryan Carney burgled a hotel room in Sunderland while the occupant was asleep, stealing gift-wrapped items including a Smeg Kettle and Toaster worth £289, and a £499 laptop needed for work. He was seen by another guest carrying the stolen items. Carney has 104 prior convictions. Additionally, on November 2, 2024, he committed affray by holding a broken bottle and approaching another man, resulting in an assault. He also admitted to criminal damage by pushing over a glass display cabinet in a Subway shop and to theft from shoplifting at Morrisons on 16 occasions between December 3 and 24, 2024. The victim reported significant emotional and financial impact.

Pleaded guilty to burglary, affray, having an offensive weapon, criminal damage, and theft. The judge described the Christmas Eve burglary as a particularly mean offence. He has a history of mental health problems and has worked well while in custody on remand.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Welvitcha Hombe

Driving with excess alcohol

August 9, 2025

Sentence: Fined £120, £85 costs, £48 victim surcharge, and banned from driving for 20 months

Welvitcha Hombe was driving his VW Golf in Newcastle City Centre in the early hours of June 7, 2025, when police noticed poor lane discipline and pulled him over. He failed a roadside breath test with a reading of 79mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mcg. He was arrested, and officers noted the smell of alcohol and signs of intoxication.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. He was a law student and had been placed in a cell to sober up after arrest.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Carla Adams

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

August 9, 2025

Sentence: 11 months suspended for two years with programme requirements

On October 6, 2023, in Newcastle city centre, Carla Adams, who was homeless and in the process of transitioning, carried out an unprovoked attack on a pensioner in his late 60s or early 70s. The incident began when Adams hit the victim, leading to a confrontation in the Grainger Market. The victim followed Adams outside, where a scuffle occurred, and Adams struck him on the back of the head with a bottle, causing him to fall. The victim sustained a minor head injury and was treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Adams was restrained by passers-by, struggled, spat at an off-duty police officer, and was arrested.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Has 150 previous convictions, including 18 for violence. Was homeless at the time, had recently begun transitioning, and was experiencing complex mental health issues including paranoia. Was intoxicated during the incident and expressed remorse, hoping it is her last court appearance.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Lee Clough

Intentional Strangulation

August 8, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

On March 28, 2025, Lee Clough, a crack cocaine addict covered in blood, attacked a woman in a lift at Church Walk House in Walker, Newcastle. He grabbed her by the neck, lifted her off the floor against the wall, and shouted 'give me everything you've got', believing she had drugs or property. The incident was captured on CCTV. Approximately 45 minutes later, he breached a restraining order by going to his former partner's house seeking help, still covered in blood from an earlier attack on himself.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and breaching a restraining order. He has 25 previous convictions and was on two suspended sentences for stalking and drug driving. The judge noted it must have been extremely frightening for the victim.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Rhys Conn

Rape

August 8, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Rhys Conn met the victim, a teenager, in a pub while she was out with friends. He offered her and her friends a lift to a garage. During the journey, he sexually assaulted her by pulling her towards him, attempting to kiss her, and trying to touch her inappropriately despite her protests. Later, when alone with her in the van again, he made further advances and took her to his home instead of hers, where he raped her upstairs after she expressed she did not want to and wanted to leave. The incident occurred in the evening, and the victim later developed PTSD as a result.

Found guilty of two counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of attempted sexual assault. Judge Carolyn Scott noted the significant impact on the victim, who was left traumatised. Defence argued there was no abduction and minimal planning.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Claire Barrett

Being drunk on an aircraft

August 2, 2025

Sentence: £80 fine plus £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge

Claire Barrett was on a SunExpress flight from Dalaman, Turkey, to Newcastle, where she drank vodka with an old friend, became loud and rowdy, disturbing other passengers who were trying to sleep. Cabin crew contacted police via air traffic control, and upon landing at Newcastle International Airport on June 22, 2025, she was unsteady on her feet and was arrested for the offense. An additional charge of recklessly acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft was dropped.

Pleaded guilty to the offense. She was extremely embarrassed and admitted to being drunk and too loud after drinking vodka with an old friend on the flight.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Carl Stewart

Cocaine plot

August 1, 2025

Sentence: more than 20 years imprisonment

Carl Stewart, from North Shields or Sunderland, was involved in a cocaine plot as part of a drugs gang trio. The gang was caught following the police's dismantling of the EncroChat communications network, leading to their sentencing.

Part of a drugs gang involved in a cocaine plot. Locked up after police smashed the EncroChat communications network.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Darren Gilmore

Cocaine plot

August 1, 2025

Sentence: more than 20 years imprisonment

Darren Gilmore, from North Shields or Sunderland, was involved in a cocaine plot as part of a drugs gang trio. The gang was caught following the police's dismantling of the EncroChat communications network, leading to their sentencing.

Part of a drugs gang involved in a cocaine plot. Locked up after police smashed the EncroChat communications network.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Alfred Liddle

Attempted Sexual Communication with a Child

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment with an extended licence period of two years and nine months

Alfred Liddle engaged in sexual conversations with a profile he believed was a 14-year-old girl on Snapchat, which was actually a police decoy. He continued despite initially ending communication and had breached bail conditions by possessing an undeclared device.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to possess indecent images of a child, and two counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order. He had prior convictions for similar offences.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Benjamin Porter

Cocaine plot

August 1, 2025

Sentence: more than 20 years imprisonment

Benjamin Porter, from North Shields or Sunderland, was involved in a cocaine plot as part of a drugs gang trio. The gang was caught following the police's dismantling of the EncroChat communications network, leading to their sentencing.

Part of a drugs gang involved in a cocaine plot. Locked up after police smashed the EncroChat communications network.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Oussama Ettrii

Robbery

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Oussama Ettrii, armed with a knife, targeted a 20-year-old woman in an underpass on Eslington Road, Jesmond, Newcastle, around 4pm on May 26, asking for an iPhone charger while holding the knife. She panicked, shouted for help, and fled to her car. Hours later, shortly before midnight on the same day, he approached a 20-year-old man on Claremont Place, Newcastle city centre, with a knife in his tracksuit bottoms, demanding his phone and attempting to force him to log out of his iCloud. He dragged the victim towards bushes, took the phone, and left. Ettrii was arrested four days later, and the stolen phone was found at his home. The victims reported significant stress, anxiety, and terror as a result.

Pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and robbery. He has no previous convictions and committed the offences for financial reasons while studying in the UK. His defence stated he is remorseful and embarrassed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Minh Nguyen

Production of Cannabis

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Minh Nguyen was found at a property in Hexham with a cannabis farm. He jumped out of a second-floor window during a police raid, injuring himself, and admitted to being directed by others to maintain the plants for three days.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis. He claimed he was an illegal immigrant forced to look after the plants for accommodation and food.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sergio Tzaro

Producing Cannabis

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Sergio Tzaro was found looking after 1,000 cannabis plants at an industrial unit in North Shields. He had come to the UK to work but turned to crime due to dissatisfaction with his earnings, and the electricity supply at the unit had been bypassed.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis on the basis he had been at the site for ten days.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Scott Orr

Wounding with intent

July 31, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 2 months imprisonment with an extended licence period of 3 years

Scott Orr confronted a group on New Bridge Street in Newcastle on October 23, 2024, after claiming his girlfriend had been brushed past by the victim's girlfriend. He turned around, shoved the woman, and when her partner intervened, Orr used a concealed blade to slash the victim multiple times, causing severe injuries including lacerations to the face, neck, and chest, resulting in permanent scarring and nerve damage. Eight bladed weapons were found at his home upon arrest.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent. Has one previous conviction for assault. The judge noted the injuries were extremely unpleasant and that Orr claimed his drink had been spiked, which was disproven by CCTV.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Robinson

Blackmail

July 31, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Paul Robinson targeted a millionaire businessman by threatening to disclose false damaging information, including claims about the victim's business and alleged inappropriate behaviour with a young female. He demanded thousands of pounds, with an initial payment of £5,000 transferred via an intermediary. Further demands were made via email, causing the victim significant stress and anxiety attacks. Robinson was arrested after the victim reported the incidents.

Pleaded guilty to blackmail. Has 27 previous convictions. Sentence suspended due to prison overcrowding and assessed low risk of reoffending.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dhroo Singh

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of cannabis

July 31, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Dhroo Singh, 21, of Ebrington Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, agreed to import cannabis to pay off a debt. On April 18, 2025, he flew into Newcastle Airport from Thailand via Doha and Heathrow in business class, carrying a Nike backpack and two large suitcases purchased in Thailand. He was stopped by Border Force, confirmed the suitcases were his, and stated he was en route to see a friend in Middlesbrough. The suitcases contained 33 kilograms of cannabis in sealed bags, and he expected to be paid £3,000 plus the holiday for the importation.

Pleaded guilty to the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis. Judge Recorder Tom Moran highlighted the deliberate and calculated nature of the crime for financial reward, with deterrence as a factor. Defendant is of previous good character, was in credit card debt, and acted on instructions from others he had not met.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ian Ashby

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Strangulation

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

Ian Ashby subjected his partner to violence on two separate occasions. On July 31, 2024, while she was at his sister's home, he became angry, headbutted her nose, grabbed her head and smacked it against a door, threw a bottle of lager at her causing cuts to her arm and ankle, and strangled her, making it difficult for her to breathe. On October 26, 2024, during a drunken argument, he shoved, punched, bit her ear and breast, strangled her by putting his arm on her windpipe, and punched her seven times in the ribs, leaving her with bruising, bite marks, and other injuries. She required hospital treatment and reported a significant impact on her mental health and daily life.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and strangulation. Has an extremely limited history of offending with three previous convictions and has been remanded in custody for more than nine months.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Philip Byrne

Aggravated Burglary

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Philip Byrne was involved in burgling a vulnerable elderly couple in Chopwell with Lyon Dunn on June 21, 2023, entering their home without permission and stealing a TV after demanding money for gardening work. Additionally, on August 1, 2024, and in subsequent incidents, he participated in aggravated burglaries in Birtley and Gateshead, where he and others armed with weapons like crowbars and machetes entered homes, demanded drugs and cash, threw broken bottles, smashed windows, and used substances believed to be ammonia, causing injury and terror to victims.

Admitted to burglary, two counts of aggravated burglary, and one count of attempted aggravated burglary. Had a difficult childhood and was addicted to drugs, though not the prime mover in the aggravated burglary offences.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Lyon Dunn

Burglary

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

In June 2023, Lyon Dunn targeted a vulnerable elderly couple in Chopwell, Gateshead, by knocking on their door and offering gardening work for £40, which he demanded in advance. He drove the victim, who had suffered a stroke, to a cashpoint while disqualified from driving, and repeatedly returned to demand more money for a broken strimmer. On June 21, 2023, he attended with Philip Byrne, demanded £60, and after limited work was done, entered the home without permission and stole the couple's TV.

Admitted to burglary, fraud, and driving while disqualified. The judge described the offences as cruel, callous, and cowardly. His behaviour declined due to cocaine use and upsetting personal news.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kyle Frost

Assault

July 30, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

Kyle Frost of Shiremoor strangled, beat, and pushed his partner down a flight of stairs during a shocking attack in North Tyneside as she attempted to protect her son.

Robert Falloon

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of offensive weapons

July 29, 2025

Sentence: 16 months suspended for two years

In the early hours of November 3, 2024, police responded to an allegation of a triple assault on Stanley Street in Blyth. Robert Falloon was seen running away, detained, and found in possession of a credit card knife, a knuckle duster, cocaine worth approximately £300, ketamine worth approximately £200, and £1,027 in cash. He stated that the drugs were intended for sharing with friends and not for onward supply, and the cash was earned from selling puppies.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and ketamine with intent to supply and possessing a bladed article and an offensive weapon. The cash seized was claimed to be from selling puppies, not drugs. Judge emphasised that carrying weapons and supplying class A drugs is treated seriously by the courts. He had been remanded in custody for two months before being cleared of wounding charges.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

George Harle

Supplying MDMA

July 29, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months with 150 hours unpaid work

George Harle, a 25-year-old from Shield Street, Newcastle, bought MDMA from Kasam Ali and shared it with friends at a house party in October 2020 in the Rialto Building, Melbourne Street, Newcastle. The party involved alcohol and drugs, and Nathaniel Pavlovic, who was inexperienced with drugs, took the MDMA, leading to his death due to a fatal dose.

Admitted supplying MDMA. Was immature at the time and expressed genuine remorse, wishing it had been him who died instead of Nathaniel Pavlovic. He was training to be a nurse.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kasam Ali

Possession with intent to supply

July 29, 2025

Sentence: Three years and seven months imprisonment

Kasam Ali, a 34-year-old from Croydon Road, Newcastle, supplied MDMA to George Harle in October 2020. This led to Harle sharing the drug at a house party in the Rialto Building, Melbourne Street, Newcastle, where Nathaniel Pavlovic, a 21-year-old student, took the MDMA and died shortly after. Ali was arrested on October 5 with 8.87g of MDMA at 96% purity, along with cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, scales, bags, and cash in his Vauxhall Insignia.

Pleaded guilty to possessing MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis with intent to supply. Drugs worth up to £2,000 and £800 cash were found in his vehicle. The judge noted his responsibility in the tragic death of Nathaniel Pavlovic.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jay Ryan-Dee

Robbery

July 29, 2025

Sentence: two years and eight months imprisonment

Jay Ryan-Dee and his brother approached a 74-year-old woman from behind while she was walking along High Street West in Sunderland in November 2024, yanking her bag and causing her to fall and sustain a broken arm. The victim was left traumatised, anxious, and nervous about going out. Members of the public witnessed the incident and directed police to a nearby dessert shop where the brothers were arrested, with Jay carrying the victim's phone and other items.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, possessing a knuckle duster and cannabis, and an unrelated assault on an emergency worker. Judge Robert Spragg noted that the defendants targeted a vulnerable elderly woman in a cowardly manner. The defendant had no prior convictions, was homeless at the time, and was using alcohol and drugs but has made progress in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Christopher Ryan-Dee

Robbery

July 29, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Christopher Ryan-Dee and his brother approached a 74-year-old woman from behind while she was walking along High Street West in Sunderland in November 2024, yanking her bag and causing her to fall and sustain a broken arm. The victim was left traumatised, anxious, and nervous about going out. Members of the public witnessed the incident and directed police to a nearby dessert shop where the brothers were arrested, with Christopher carrying the victim's bank cards.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Judge Robert Spragg noted that the defendants targeted a vulnerable elderly woman in a cowardly manner. The defendant had no prior convictions, was homeless at the time, and was using alcohol and drugs but has made progress in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Curtis

Sexual activity with a girl

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Daniel Curtis, a 40-year-old from Hugh Gardens in Benwell, Newcastle, abused a girl by persuading her to send sexually explicit messages via social media. The abuse was reported, leading to charges in 2022 for multiple sexual offences. He repeatedly failed to appear in court, prompting a police manhunt. He was eventually caught and, after a trial in May, found guilty of seven offences of sexual activity with a girl. The victim endured a difficult investigation and expressed relief at the conviction.

Found guilty after a trial; will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and was given a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order. The victim reported significant impact, including attempts to take her own life.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

George Taylor

Intentional strangulation

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

George Taylor, 68, who had recently retired as a carer, subjected his disabled wife of 40 years to a relentless and terrifying attack at their home in the Gateshead area. The ordeal began after a doctor's appointment on March 21, where he refused mental health support. Over several hours, he repeatedly told her 'I want you dead', held a sofa cushion over her head to suffocate her, pushed her to the ground, squeezed her neck while sitting on her stomach, barricaded her in the kitchen, attempted to force paracetamol into her mouth, and held a knife to her neck threatening to slit her throat. She escaped later that day and described him as looking 'evil', leading to her suffering from severe nightmares.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Described as a first-time offender and a quiet family man; the incident was out of character due to health worries and overwhelming personal issues. The judge noted it was a prolonged and terrifying ordeal, and Taylor expressed utter remorse.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dean Matthews

Drug dealing

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Dean Matthews, a drug dealer from South Shields, was involved in drug-related activities that led to his arrest and conviction. His unique foot tattoo played a key role in identifying him.

Tattoo of the word 'ouch' on his foot helped police officers to snare him as a drug dealer.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Mcdonald

Possessing heroin with intent to supply

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement

On July 5, 2022, a police officer on Chatton Street, East Howdon, Wallsend, saw Mark McDonald dressed only in his underpants. He entered a police vehicle, appeared to be in distress with heavy and laboured breathing, and collapsed, leading to him being taken to Cramlington Hospital. Police subsequently searched his home due to concerns for others and discovered 400g of heroin worth approximately £9,000, cash, scales, and four mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply on the basis he was holding the drugs for others and being paid in drugs. He has 124 previous convictions.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Spencer Maddison

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 11 months imprisonment

Spencer Maddison assaulted his former partner by headbutting and punching her in the face and back, causing injuries including a lump on her forehead and redness, while children were present. This occurred in June 2025 during an argument at her home on Tyneside. He was on a suspended sentence for a prior assault on the same victim. Additionally, he returned and burnt the letters 'SM' into the window frame and 'S' into the front door, though no separate penalty was imposed for this arson.

Was on a 12-month suspended sentence for a previous assault. Expressed remorse and had mental health problems at the time.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Barrie Fowler

Strangulation

July 27, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended sentence, 100 hours unpaid work, and 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement

Barrie Fowler subjected his partner to a series of violent attacks while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. In May 2023, while on holiday in Tunisia and with the victim pregnant, he confined her in a bathroom, bit her thumb causing a wound, dragged her by the arm causing bruising, and pushed her on the balcony. In July 2023, he grabbed her by the neck, strangled her against a wall for five to six seconds making it hard for her to breathe, and threatened her. In September or October 2023, he raised a clenched fist as if to hit her and punched a door, causing it to splinter. In August 2024, he became abusive, wished he had killed her, and damaged a staircase, injuring her leg. The victim reported emotional harm, loss of confidence, and changes to her self-esteem.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. The victim withdrew her support and begged the judge not to imprison him, stating he has changed after giving up alcohol and cocaine. Judge Sarah Mallett noted he is remorseful, capable of being a good parent, and acknowledged his behaviour as appalling.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Aiden Heppell

Assault by beating

July 26, 2025

Sentence: Community order, £120 fine, £85 costs, £104 surcharge, and a two-year restraining order

On February 23, 2025, Aiden Heppell assaulted his then-partner by punching her twice in the back during a verbal argument at a home in Newcastle. Later that day, as she was on the phone to the police reporting the incident, he punched her again. The victim followed him to ensure he left the area, but he pursued her and made threatening gestures. There were six domestic abuse call-outs related to this victim, highlighting a pattern of abusive behaviour.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating. Has one previous conviction for assaulting an emergency worker. Considered high-risk due to multiple domestic abuse call-outs. Suffers from mental health issues, learning difficulties, and severe depression.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Christopher Scott

Theft and Burglary

July 25, 2025

Sentence: 1,240 days imprisonment

Christopher Scott, of Byker, Newcastle, stole a Mr Brainwash Spray Can piece of art worth £9,950 from Clarendon Fine Art gallery in Newcastle city centre in February 2024 by snapping a security cable and walking away with it. He also burgled a woman's house in April 2024, stealing a laptop worth £500, £500 in coins, and several bottles of spirits, and stole power tools worth more than £4,000 from a building site on Collingwood Street in May 2024. He was arrested while in possession of cocaine and has over 100 previous convictions, including 58 for theft and similar offences.

Pleaded guilty to theft of the piece of art, two burglaries, and possessing cocaine. Has a long-standing drug addiction, PTSD from being stabbed in the late 1990s, and a history of homelessness and custodial sentences. He is extremely remorseful.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Nicholson

Burglary

July 25, 2025

Sentence: 63 months imprisonment

Paul Nicholson broke into the Fighting All Cancers Together building in Wrekenton, Gateshead on June 13, 2024, using a piece of metal to break a window and gain entry. He searched through cupboards, carried boxes, and caused extensive damage to the premises, including attempting to escape through the roof, which led to substantial structural damage. He also damaged mobile phones, laptops, crockery, kitchen appliances, computer monitors, and raffle prizes, and caused 'significant soiling' with food trampled into the carpet. The total repair cost was £64,868, affecting a charity that provides support to cancer victims and their families.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and a series of other offences, including assaulting an emergency worker. He has 37 previous convictions, including burglaries and a robbery.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Flynn

Inflicting GBH

July 24, 2025

Sentence: 12 months suspended for 18 months with 100 hours of unpaid work

On December 20, 2023, a mix-up over children's coats at Sue Hedley Nursery in Hebburn escalated into violence. Stephen Flynn's son had accidentally taken the victim's son's coat home, and both families had returned the items. However, the victim confronted Flynn at the nursery, accusing him of theft. During a heated argument outside, Flynn believed the victim had thrown or kicked something at his car, leading him to exit his vehicle, grab the victim, and headbutt him once. The victim sustained a cracked eye socket, broken nose, and sinus injuries, requiring open surgery, and experienced significant pain, headaches, and scarring.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting GBH. No previous convictions. Judge noted that the reaction was entirely over the top and that the victim initiated the insults, but the attack was unjustified. Defence highlighted that the incident was out of character, triggered by stress and a perceived threat.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Brian Morton

Felling growing timber without a licence

July 24, 2025

Sentence: £400 fine and £160 surcharge

Brian Morton, a pensioner from Whiteadmiral Place, Newcastle, felled growing timber on land at Middleton Hall in Belford without the required licence. The offence took place between January 15 and February 14, 2023, and he was prosecuted alongside a firm for the same violation.

Aged 68, charged with felling growing timber without a licence under section 9(1) of the Forestry Act 1967. The offence was carried out between January 15 and February 14, 2023.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Camille Brown

Shoplifting

July 23, 2025

Sentence: fined

Camille Brown, 44, from Newcastle upon Tyne, shoplifted over £1,000 worth of clothing from a Go Outdoors store in Northumberland and escaped in a vehicle before being caught and sentenced.

No sentences found matching your search.